Phase 1. Growth would accelerate, as the population became concentrated in the wealth creating 25 – 54 age group, and the need to spend money on dependent children reduced

Growth would then move into SuperCycle mode as large numbers of women became able to re-enter the workforce after childbirth, and could demand major increases in their earnings relative to men

Phase 2. Growth would steadily slow, as the number of wealth creators would begin to steadily reduce, with more and more men and women joining the New Old 55+ group

This Phase would also see massive change in demand patterns, as the New Old represent a replacement economy. They bought most of their major items (housing, cars, furniture etc) when younger, and their incomes reduce as they enter retirement

Of course, this is not just a theoretical exercise. It is instead, as we describe in Boom, Gloom and the New Normal, exactly today’s situation. And the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 is well underway, having begun in 2001 when the first BabyBoomers (born globally between 1946 – 1970) entered the New Old generation. The Boomers are the largest generation in history, and the average Boomer (born 1958) joined the New Old last year.

Small wonder therefore that a new report from the UK’s leading consumer credit agency, Experian, suggests “The UK is undergoing unparalleled seismic demographic shifts”. And, of course, this scenario is not just confined to the UK. All Western nations, and many of the main emerging countries, are experiencing the same seismic shifts. This is truly a global earthquake: profound and long-lasting changes are inevitable as it takes place.

Another sign of these changes comes from EuroMonitor consumer research, captured in the chart above. As they discovered, consumers no longer define themselves by the size of their car, house or kitchen:

Instead, their focus is value for money, less complex lifestyles

They value family and friends, and small moments of indulgence

Trust and carbon footprint are important to them

And they want less hassle and more convenience in their daily lives

Change is always difficult within a corporate structure. But all the evidence suggests that companies who fail to reposition themselves for this New Normal are at risk of being swept away by the earthquake now underway.

About Paul Hodges

Paul Hodges is Chairman of International eChem, trusted commercial advisers to the global chemical industry. He also serves as a Global Expert for the World Economic Forum. The aim of this blog is to share ideas about the influences that may shape the chemical industry and the global economy over the next 12 – 18 months. It looks behind today’s headlines, to understand what may happen next in critical areas such as oil prices, China and Emerging Markets, currencies, autos, housing, economic growth and the environment. Please do join me and share your thoughts. Between us, we will hopefully develop useful insights into the key factors that will drive the industry's future performance.

FREE TRIAL TO ICIS NEWS

LATEST CHEMICAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Search

Archives

Categories

About

Paul Hodges is Chairman of International eChem, trusted commercial advisers to the global chemical industry.

The aim of this blog is to share ideas about the influences that may shape the chemical industry over the next 12 – 18 months. It will try to look behind today’s headlines, to understand what may happen next in important issues such as oil prices, economic growth and the environment. We may also have some fun, investigating a few of the more offbeat events that take place from time to time. Please do join me and share your thoughts.

Between us, we will hopefully develop useful insights into the key factors that will drive the industry's future performance.